Multi-Fluid Spray Nozzle for Single-Pass Agricultural Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural spray systems require multiple passes and systems to apply multiple agricultural products, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity, as they typically use a single nozzle for a single product per pass, necessitating fluid changes and multiple passes through the field.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-fluid spray nozzles that can independently or simultaneously apply multiple working fluids, allowing for coordinated control of fluid flow to affect direction, dispersion, concentration, and state, enabling single-pass application of multiple products across a wide swath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-fluid spray systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but multiple passes are required to apply multiple agricultural products, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle is designed to handle multiple working fluids through a single nozzle body, enabling it to perform multiple functions. The nozzle receives first and second working fluids from separate sources and can spray them separately or in combination, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated nozzles for each agricultural product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fluid delivery paths and control mechanisms into a single integrated spray nozzle assembly. The first and second working fluid sources are merged into one nozzle system with shared outlets, allowing simultaneous or sequential application of multiple products in a single pass.
2Ease of operation
If multiple spray systems are used to apply multiple agricultural products, then application precision can be maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle incorporates dynamic control capabilities through valves that can independently regulate the flow of first and second working fluids. The system can switch between different spray modes (separate spraying, combined spraying, or alternating spraying) based on operational requirements, providing flexibility without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is divided into separate fluid pathways for first and second working fluids, each with its own control valve. This segmentation allows independent control of each fluid stream while maintaining a unified nozzle structure, enabling precise application of different agricultural products.
3Loss of time
If single nozzles are used for single products per pass, then equipment complexity is minimized, but time consumption increases due to fluid changes and multiple passes
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-fluid spray nozzle enables continuous application of multiple agricultural products in a single pass without requiring fluid changes or multiple passes. The system maintains continuous operation by receiving and spraying multiple working fluids simultaneously or sequentially through the same nozzle, eliminating idle time between product applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of spraying multiple fluids from an agricultural machine includes supplying a first working fluid from a first source to a first spray nozzle, and supplying a second working fluid from a second source to the first spray nozzle. The method also includes operating at least one valve in the first spray nozzle to control flow of the first working fluid from the first source to one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle, and operating the at least one valve in the first spray nozzle to control flow of the second working fluid from the second source to the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle. The method further includes selectively spraying the first working fluid through the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle, and selectively spraying the second working fluid through the one or more outlets of the first spray nozzle.